Celebrities we have said goodbye to in 2017

The author, who created the beloved Paddington Bear, has died at the age of 91. HarperCollins shared the sad news on their Facebook page on Wednesday writing: “It is with great sadness that we announce that Michael Bond, CBE, the creator of one of Britain’s best-loved children’s characters, Paddington, died at home yesterday aged 91 following a short illness."

Actor Hugh Bonneville also shared his condolences on Instagram sharing that it is "particularly poignant" that the British author died on the last day of shooting the latest Paddington film. "Michael will be greatly missed by his legions of fans and especially by his wife Sue, his family and of course by his beloved guinea pigs," the Downton Abbey actor wrote.

"He leaves a special legacy: long live the bear from darkest Peru." Paddington Bear first became a household staple in 1958 with A Bear Called Paddington. Paddington's adventures have sold more than 35 million copies worldwide and inspired two movies. In 2015, he was awarded a CBE by Queen Elizabeth.

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Don Rickles – April 6

Don, who was known as the comedian with the 'gift of the insult' passed away at the age of 90 due to kidney failure. The honorary member of the Rat Pack, who passed away at his home in Los Angeles, made his mark in the world of comedy and earned a living by making fun of a host of celebrities, public figures, dignitaries and average Joes.

Aside from spending his time on the stage, Don made television appearances on The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast, the Tonight Show and was a regular guest on the Late Show with David Letterman. For the younger audiences, he made his mark in the Disney franchise Toy Story as Mr. Potato Head. Don leaves behind his wife of 52 years Barbara, their daughter Mindy and two grandchildren.

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Michael Nyqvist - June 27

The Swedish actor, who was most recognized with American audiences for Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, John Wick and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol died at the age of 56 after a yearlong battle with lung cancer.

A statement released by his spokesperson read: “On behalf of Michael Nyqvist’s representatives and family, it is with deep sadness that I can confirm that our beloved Michael, one of Sweden’s most respected and accomplished actors, has passed away quietly surrounded by family after a year long battle with lung cancer. Michael’s joy and passion were infectious to those who knew and loved him. His charm and charisma were undeniable, and his love for the arts was felt by all who had the pleasure of working with him. He is survived by his wife Catharina, and their children Ellen and Arthur.“

Gerard Butler, who starred with the actor in the upcoming movie Hunter Killer, also shared his condolences after hearing of Michael's death. In the video on Twitter, he spoke about his "incredible humility, warmth and this cheeky glint in his eyes."

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Clem Curtis – March 27

Clem, who was one of the founding members of the 1960s music group The Foundations (most famously known for their hit Build Me Up Buttercup) has died at the age of 76. The British singer's family confirmed to BBC that he died after a battle with cancer.

Two days before he passed away, the musician joined BBC Three Counties Radio's Justin Dealey and spoke about his illness. "Well I got lots of messages from people wishing me well. I tried to keep it under wraps but I couldn't,” he shared.

When the host called him a legend, the humble star stated, "We came along at a time when music was going downhill. We made music that made people happy and they enjoyed it… You give a little and take a lot. I've enjoyed every moment. It's a great dream."

Clem is responsible for the group’s first hit Baby Now That I’ve Found You and Back on My Feet Again.

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Anita Pallenberg- June 13

Keith Richards' former partner of 12 years has passed away at the age of 73. She is survived by two children from her longterm relationship with the Rolling Stones guitarist; son Marlon, 46, and 44-year-old daughter Angela.

News of her death was announced by her friends on social media. Actress Stella Schnabel shared a photo of the pair together, simply writing: "I have never met a woman quite like you Anita." Bebe Buell – mother of actress Liv Tyler – also paid her respects, tweeting: "There was none more beautiful, more unique and more inspiring! The official 'sixth Stone'… I love you forever, dearest Anita."

Anita was an Italian-German actress, model and designer in her lifetime, as well as being a muse for the Rolling Stones. She met the band backstage at one of their concerts in Munich, and initially struck up a relationship with then-guitarist Brian Jones, but left him after two years for Keith. The couple were together from 1967 until 1980, and welcomed three children; Marlon, Angela and a third son named Tara Jo Jo, who tragically died in 1976 at just ten weeks, from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The cause of death has not been revealed.

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Darlene Cates – March 26

Darlene, who starred alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp in the 1993 film What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, has died at the age of 69. Darlene’s sister, Sheri Cates Morgan confirmed the news via Facebook.

“It is with a bitter-sweet heart that we share that our precious wife, mother, and Gaga, Darlene Guthrie Cates, was called Home, somewhat unexpectedly, peacefully in her sleep Sunday morning, March 26th,” the post next to two images of Darlene read. “We take comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and is in the arms of our Heavenly Father, breaking away only to dance with our Savior, Jesus. (Dancing was something she talked about loving to do "back in the day"!).”

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Adam West - June 10

Known to classic TV fans as the star of the campy 1966 series Batman, and to newer followers as the voice of the mayor of Quahog on Family Guy, actor Adam West passed away at the age of 88 on June 10.

The man who will forever be known as TV's Caped Crusader lost his battle with leukemia in Los Angeles surrounded by his loved ones. “Our dad always saw himself as The Bright Knight and aspired to make a positive impact on his fans' lives. He was and always will be our hero,” his family said of the great-grandfather of two in a statement.

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Chuck Barris - March 21

The creator of The Gong Show and such 1970s game show hits as The Newlywed Game and The Dating Game, died peacefully at age 87.

In 2002, Chuck's autobiography, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, in which he claimed to be a CIA assassin, was made into a film directed by George Clooney and starring Sam Rockwell. When asked during an interview in 2007 if he would like to be remembered as an author or game show host, Chuck replied, "That’s the easiest question of all. I would love to be known as an author, but I don’t think it’s written that that’s the way it’s going to be. I think on my tombstone it’s just going to say, ‘Gonged at last,’ and I’m stuck with that.”

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Glenne Headly – June 8

Actress Glenne Headly, who starred in more than 25 films, including Dick Tracy and Mr Holland's Opus, died at the age of 62.

"It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the passing of Glenne Headly," the star's representative told CNN in a statement. "We ask that her family's privacy be respected in this difficult time."

Glenne, once married to actor John Malkovich, also had earned two Emmy nominations for her TV work. She was a familiar face thanks to her roles on shows like Monk and Parks and Recreation, and was working on Hulu series Future Man at the time of her death.

The actress is survived by husband Byron McCulloch and son Stirling.

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David Rockefeller - March 20

The banker and philanthropist David Rockefeller died at age 101. From a family with an iconic name, the youngest and last surviving of John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s children controlled all of Chase bank in Manhattan, and his worth was estimated by Forbes to be around $3.3 billion.

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Danny Dias - June 5

MTV reality star Danny Dias, who appeared on Road Rules and The Challenge, passed away at the age of 34. Danny's body was found in his Brooklyn home on June 5, with no cause of death announced.

An MTV spokesperson released a statement mourning his loss, saying: "We are saddened by the news of Danny Dias' passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."

Bunim/Murray Productions also said: "Our thoughts are with the Dias family during this difficult time. Danny was a beloved member of the 'Road Rules' and 'The Challenge' communities."

Danny made his MTV debut back in 2004 on the 13th season of Road Rules, and went on to appear on the Trinidad and Tobago-based installment of The Challenge: Gauntlet 2 in 2005.

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Chuck Berry - March 18

The rock legend passed away at the age of 90 at his home in Missouri. The St. Charles County Police Department confirmed his death on their Facebook page writing: "The family requests privacy during this time of bereavement." Often dubbed "the father of rock 'n' roll," Chuck (Charles Edward Anderson Berry Sr.) was beloved in the music industry, influencing famed groups like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. With hit songs like Maybellene, Roll Over Beethoven, Rock and Roll Music and Johnny B. Goode, Chuck helped to develop the rock 'n' roll sound into a distinctive genre and never stopped creating powerful songs.

The star was making music up until the day he passed away, planning to release his first studio album in almost 40 years in June. The album, which is called Chuck, was to be comprised of mostly new material. Many celebrities paid tribute to the late musician following his death. Mick Jagger took to Twitter to pay his respects, writing: "I am so sad to hear of Chuck Berry's passing. I want to thank him for all the inspirational music he gave to us. He lit up our teenage years, and blew life into our dreams of being musicians and performers. His lyrics shone above others and threw a strange light on the American dream. Chuck, you were amazing, and your music is engraved inside us forever.”

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Molly Peters - May 30

One week after the death of Roger Moore, Bond girl Molly Peters, known for her role opposite Sean Connery in the 007 movie Thunderball, died at the age of 75. Her loss was confirmed on the official James Bond Twitter account.

The British actress, who played Nurse Patricia Fearing in the 1965 film, was a boundary-breaker as the first Bond girl to take her clothes off on screen, which sparked much controversy at the time. As a result, the hit movie was almost given an 'X' rating for nudity.

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Miriam Colon - March 3

The acclaimed Puerto Rican actress, best known for playing Al Pacino’s mother in Scarface, died at age 80. Her husband told the AP that she passed following medical complications from a pulmonary infection.

Miriam has left a huge mark on the entertainment industry, with roles in various film and television (such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents) projects. Among her many achievements, the actress founded the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater in New York. She also was the first Puerto Rican to enroll in the highly regarded Actors Studio.

In September of 2015, Miriam was named a "trailblazer," receiving a National Medal of the Arts from then-President Barack Obama.

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Gregg Allman - May 27

Southern rock icon Gregg Allman, co-founder of The Allman Brothers Band, passed away on May 27 at the age of 69. The singer-songwriter, whose songs like Melissa and Whipping Post are rock classics, died "peacefully at his home in Savannah, Georgia", read a statement on his official website.

The notice continued, "Gregg struggled with many health issues over the past several years. During that time, Gregg considered being on the road playing music with his brothers and solo band for his beloved fans, essential medicine for his soul. Playing music lifted him up and kept him going during the toughest of times."

Gregg's ex-wife Cher, mother of his son Elijah Blue, paid tribute to the late musician on Twitter by posting a series of throwback photos and writing in a tweet filled with broken heart emojis: "I'VE TRIED… WORDS ARE IMPOSSIBLE GUI GUI. FOREVER, CHOOCH."

According to CNN, the music legend will be laid to rest at Rose Hill cemetery in Macon, Georgia.

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Bill Paxton - February 25

The Emmy award-winning actor died due to complications from surgery. He was 61. A family representative confirmed the sad news with a statement that read: "It is with heavy hearts we share the news that Bill Paxton has passed away due to complications from surgery. A loving husband and father, Bill began his career in Hollywood working on films in the art department and went on to have an illustrious career spanning four decades as a beloved and prolific actor and filmmaker."

Bill is perhaps best known for his roles in Twister and Titanic. Following the news of his death, a number of Hollywood stars took to social media to remember the late actor. Tom Hanks tweeted, “Bill Paxton was simply, a wonderful man, A wonderful man," while Charlize Theron wrote, “You were a great friend to me, Bill. AND one of the finest actors to share a set with. Sending so much love to Bill Paxton’s family.” Bill is survived by his wife of 30 years, Louise Newbury, and his two children, James and Lydia Paxton.

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Sir Roger Moore – May 23

Roger Moore, known for playing the infamous spy James Bond in the 007 franchise has died at the age of 89, after a brief battle with cancer.

Roger’s family took to Twitter to confirm the news in a post. “With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore passed away today," the tweet read. “We are all devastated.”

A letter attached to the post honored the author and UNICEF ambassador's admiration from fans. “The affection our father felt whenever he walked on to a stage or in front of a camera buoyed him hugely and kept him busy working into his 90th year, through his last appearance in November 2016 on stage at London’s Royal Festival Hall,” the statement continued. “The capacity crowd cheered him on and off stage, shaking the very foundations of the building just a short distance from where he was born.”

The British star, who had the longest run in the 007 franchise, took on the role in 1973. Roger portrayed the film’s lead character in seven films including Live and Let Die (1973), The Man With the Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983) and A View to a Kill (1985). The actor was also known for his role in the TV series The Persuaders and The Saint. Roger leaves behind his fourth wife Kristina Tholstrup and three adult children, Christian, Geoffrey, and Deborah Moore.

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Al Jarreau - February 12

The Jazz legend and seven-time Grammy winning artist died at the age of 76. Prior to his death, Al was hospitalized for exhaustion and retired from touring at the request of his doctors. The late singer is the only Grammy vocalist to win in the jazz, pop and R&B categories. Following his passing, a statement on Al's website read: "His 2nd priority in life was music. There was no 3rd. His 1st priority, far ahead of the other, was healing or comforting anyone in need. Whether it was emotional pain, or physical discomfort, or any other cause of suffering, he needed to put our minds at ease and our hearts at rest. He needed to see a warm, affirming smile where there had not been one before. Song was just his tool for making that happen."

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Chris Cornell – May 17

The Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman died suddenly at the age of 52. In a statement to the Associated Press, Chris’ rep, Brian Bumbery, confirmed that the rocker passed “suddenly and unexpectedly,” after performing a sold out show at Detroit’s Fox Theatre.

Chris rose to fame in the early '90s as one of the pioneers of the grudge rock movement as the vocalist for Soundgarden. Known for his four-octave vocal range, the band and Chris scored multiple top 10 hits including Black Hole Sun, Superunknown and The Day I Tried to Live. When the group split in 1997, Chris joined forces with members of Rage Against the Machine to form Audioslave.

During the span of his career, Chris also released numerous solo albums as well as a collaboration project with members of Pearl Jam and Mother Love Bone called Temple of the Dog. Chris leaves behind a wife, Vicky, and children Toni, Lillian and Christopher.

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Richard Hatch - February 7

The actor known for playing Captain Apollo in the original sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica lost his battle to pancreatic cancer. He was 71. The actor reportedly had his son Paul by his side at his Santa Clarita.

Richard, whose acting career began in 1971 starring on the soap opera All My Children, earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role in Battlestar Galactica. Following his death, Star Trek actor George Takei tweeted, "Rest with the galactic stars, Richard Hatch."

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Jonathan Demme - April 26

The Oscar-winning filmmaker, who was best known for directing hits like The Silence of the Lambs, The Manchurian Candidate and Philadelphia, passed away at 73 at his home in Manhattan. Jonathan died from esophageal cancer and heart disease complications.

Also famous for directing documentaries, and Jonathan's last project was Justin Timberlake's concert film Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids. Speaking about dedicating the film to Prince in an interview with Rolling Stone, he said: "I love Prince, and so does Justin. [The dedication] was his idea. He's got many influences that he's happy to acknowledge, but none is as great as Prince. We wanted to celebrate him. Any time anyone who's been so generous with their art dies, it's always very sad. Hard to believe, too."

Jonathan is survived by his wife, Joanne Howard, and three children, Ramona, Brooklyn and Jos.

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Frank Pellegrino - January 31

Frank, a native New Yorker and star of the HBO drama The Sopranos passed away at the age of 72 after a battle with lung cancer.

“New York lost a piece of New York yesterday," the actor's longtime friend, Bo Dietl said to People. "Frankie was an icon, one of the most unique and remarkable people I’ve ever met in my life, with one of the biggest hearts. If anyone had a problem, they would go to Frankie and he would help them. He was one of the bravest men I ever met in my life.”

Frank was known as FBI Chief Frank Cubitoso in The Sopranos as well as from his reoccurring roles on Law and Order. He also starred in Mickey Blue Eyes, Cop Land and Goodfellas. In addition to his acting career, Frank was co-owner of the NYC eatery Rao's.

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Erin Moran - April 22

Best known for her role as Joanie Cunningham on Happy Days and the spinoff Joanie Loves Chachi co-starring Scott Baio, Erin Moran died at the age of 56 after being found 'unresponsive' at her home in Indiana.

Henry Winkler, the actor behind Fonzie on Happy Days, also sent his condolences, tweeting: "OH Erin... now you will finally have the peace you wanted so badly here on earth ...Rest In It serenely now.. too soon."

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Emmanuelle Riva - January 27

The French actress passed away at age 89. She died in a Paris clinic after a long illness, her agent told The Associated Press.

With a career that spanned for almost six decades, Emmanuelle was the oldest actress to ever be nominated for the best actress Oscar for her role in Amour in 2013.

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Cuba Gooding, Sr. - April 20

Cuba Gooding Sr., the musician father of Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr., was found dead in a car in Woodland Hills, California. He was 72. The elder Cuba was the lead singer of The Main Ingredient, who were best known for their hit single 1972 song, Everybody Plays the Fool. Cuba Jr. spoke fondly of his father during an episode of Inside the Actors Studio earlier this year.

He said, "I remember, one of my earliest memories… He would perform at Disneyland, and after his performances, they would close it off to the general public and all the performers' kids would go on the rides as many times as they’d want. He would pull me up on stage with him and make me finish the song because I'd seen him perform all the time. It was a lot of feeling like, 'I come from royalty.'" The late singer is survived by his wife Shirley and four children – Cuba Jr., Omar, Tommy and April.

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Mike Connors - January 26

The actor, who starred as a private eye on the long-running television series Mannix, passed away at 91. His son-in-law, Mike Condon, said Mike died from complications of leukemia, which had been diagnosed a week prior to his death. Mike was surrounded by his family at a Los Angeles hospital when he passed. He left behind his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter.

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Aaron Hernandez – April 19

Former New England Patriots superstar, Aaron Hernandez died at the age of 27. The athlete was found dead after committing suicide in his prison cell. The Massachusetts Department of Correction released a statement that read: "On April 19, 2017 Aaron Hernandez was discovered hanged in his cell by corrections officers at the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in Shirley, Massachusetts at approximately 3.05 am. Lifesaving techniques were attempted on Mr. Hernandez and he was transported to UMASS Leominster where he was pronounced dead at 4:07 a.m. by a physician at the hospital."

Aaron's death comes days after he was acquitted of a 2012 double homicide. Despite the acquittal, the late NFL player was serving a life sentence for the 2013 murder of his friend and fellow sportsman Odin LloydAaron.

The University of Florida stand out football player played in the NFL for three seasons. Aaron shared four-year-old daughter Avielle with fiancée Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez.

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John Hurt - January 25

Beloved for his roles in Alien, Elephant Man and Harry Potter, the Oscar-nominated actor passed away at age 77.

Although the star was in remission after battling pancreatic cancer in 2015, he had continued to struggle with health problems and his wife, Anwen Hurt, confirmed that he sadly passed away at his Norfolk home. In a statement, she wrote: "John was the most sublime of actors and the most gentlemanly of gentlemen with the greatest of hearts and the most generosity of spirit. He touched all our lives with joy and magic and it will be a strange world without him."

John appeared in over 120 films and held extensive television and theatre performances during his career. He even received a knighthood in 2015 for his services to drama.

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Charlie Murphy – April 12

Eddie Murphy’s older brother and fellow comedian Charlie has passed away at the age of 57. According to his rep, the stand up comedian died in a New York City hospital after losing his battle with leukemia. Eddie’s older brother got his start in films such as Mo’Better Blues, Harlem Nights and Jungle Fever.

Charlie landed his breakout role on Dave Chappelle’s hit series Chappelle Show. During the “Charlie Murphy True Hollywood Story” portion, the funnyman garnered laughs as he recalled true encounters in the eighties with musicians Prince and Rick James.

The star also has writing credits alongside his brother in the films Vampire in Brooklyn and 2007’s Norbit. In 2016, Charlie was part of the Comedy Get Down tour with Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley and George Lopez. Charlie has three children and was married to Tisha Taylor for 12 years before she passed away in 2009 after a battle with cervical cancer.

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Mary Tyler Moore - January 25

Iconic TV actress Mary Tyler Moore passed away at 80-years-old after being hospitalized in Connecticut. The Emmy-winning star will be remembered for "turning the world on with her smile."

Mary’s longtime representative, Mara Buxbaum, confirmed the sad news to People magazine, stating: “Today, beloved icon, Mary Tyler Moore, passed away at the age of 80 in the company of friends and her loving husband of over 33 years, Dr. S. Robert Levine.”

Mary became known for playing Laura Petrie, Dick Van Dyke's wife on the The Dick Van Dyke Show. The groundbreaking actress was catapulted to stardom with her title role in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which debuted in 1970. An actress, producer, and advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Mary will surely never be forgotten.

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Miguel Ferrer - January 19

NCIS: Los Angeles actor Miguel Ferrer passed away at the age of 61 after a battle with cancer. In a touching statement released to People, George Clooney remembered the veteran actor – his cousin on his father's side – who he said had made the world "a brighter place."

"Miguel made the world brighter and funnier and his passing is felt so deeply in our family that events of the day (monumental events), pale in comparison," George said. "We love you Miguel. We always will."

Born in Santa Monica in 1955, Miguel was the son of Jose Ferrer and Rosemary Clooney. He is best known for playing villain Bob Morton in the 1987 movie RoboCop, Dr Garret Macy in Crossing Jordan and FBI Agent Albert Rosenfield on Twin Peaks.